What is Lung Transplant Surgery?

Lung transplant surgery is a complex and life-saving procedure that involves replacing a diseased or damaged lung with a healthy one from a donor. In India, lung transplant surgery is available in several hospitals and medical centers, and is performed by a team of experienced surgeons and medical professionals.

Why is Lung Transplant Surgery Needed?

Lung transplant surgery is needed when a person’s lungs are no longer able to function properly due to various reasons such as:

1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe.
2. Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs.
3. Pulmonary fibrosis: A condition where the lungs become scarred and inflamed.
4. Pulmonary hypertension: A condition where the blood pressure in the lungs is too high.

Lung transplant is not done for the following patients.

• Badly nourished
• Too sick
• Smoke abused
• Alcohol or drug abused
• Active hepatitis B
• Active hepatitis C
• Active HIV
• Cancer before 2 years
• Lung disease that may affect the transplanted lung
• Severe disease associated with other organs

Types of Lung Transplant Surgery

There are two types of lung transplant surgery:

1. Single lung transplant: A single lung is replaced with a healthy one from a donor.
2. Double lung transplant: Both lungs are replaced with healthy ones from a donor.

 

Lung Transplant Surgery Procedure

The lung transplant surgery procedure involves the following steps:

1. Pre-transplant evaluation: The recipient undergoes a thorough evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for the transplant.
2. Donor selection: A suitable donor lung is selected based on blood type, tissue type, and other factors.
3. Surgery: The recipient is given general anesthesia and the surgeon makes an incision in the chest.
4. Removal of the diseased lung: The diseased lung is removed and the blood vessels and airways are disconnected.
5. Implantation of the donor lung: The donor lung is implanted and the blood vessels and airways are connected.
6. Recovery: The recipient is taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring and recovery.

Post Procedure of Lung Transplant

Stay is expected to be 7 to 21 days after the surgery in the hospital. Recovery period to get back to regular and normal activities is 6 months. Regular checkups, x-rays and blood tests are to be followed for years after the surgery.

Risks and Complications of Lung Transplant Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with lung transplant surgery, including:

1. Rejection: The recipient’s immune system may reject the donor lung.
2. Infection: The recipient may be at risk of infection, particularly in the first few months after the transplant.
3. Bleeding: The recipient may be at risk of bleeding, particularly during the surgery.
4. Respiratory failure: The recipient may experience respiratory failure, particularly in the first few months after the transplant.

Cost of Lung Transplant Surgery in India

The cost of lung transplant surgery in India can vary depending on several factors, including the location, hospital, surgeon, and type of transplant.